March 22, 2026 | Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ | 2:05 PM CT | MLB Network, Marquee Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs host the Milwaukee Brewers at Sloan Park today, and this is a preview of what we’ll face all season. They won the NL Central last year at 86–76. We went 78–84 and finished third. That eight-game gap is what we’re trying to close.
The Brewers have Jackson Chourio—an emerging young star with massive upside. Willy Adames provides veteran leadership at short. Freddy Peralta anchors their rotation with elite strikeout stuff. They’re the team to beat in the division.
We have Tyler Glasnow, Jackson Merrill, and Pete Crow-Armstrong—our new core trying to prove we can compete for the division title. We’ve still got a couple more spring games, but Opening Day is approaching fast.
For Cubs fans, this is another chance to see how we stack up against the division champs.
Where the Cubs Stand As Spring Continues
2025 Record: 78–84
Another disappointing season. Another third-place finish in the Central. The front office responded by signing Tyler Glasnow and acquiring Jackson Merrill. Spring training has shown those moves are working.
Key Players:
- Tyler Glasnow (SP): Elite strikeout pitcher who’s dominated all spring
- Jackson Merrill (SS): Smooth defender with developing bat, our franchise shortstop
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF): Elite defense and speed, showing offensive growth
Top Prospects:
- Cade Horton (RHP): Earned a rotation spot with strong spring
- Matt Shaw (INF): Versatile bat who’s impressed all spring
- Kevin Alcántara (OF): Toolsy outfielder still developing
Opening Day is approaching, but we’ve still got a couple more spring games. Today’s another chance to compete with the division champions.
The Milwaukee Brewers: NL Central Champions
2025 Record: 86–76 (NL Central Champions)
Milwaukee won the Central last year and always seems to find ways to win. Jackson Chourio is developing into a real star. Willy Adames hit 30+ homers at shortstop. Freddy Peralta is an elite strikeout pitcher.
Key Players:
- Jackson Chourio (OF): Young star with power and speed, massive upside
- Willy Adames (SS): Veteran leader who hit 30+ homers last year
- Freddy Peralta (RHP): Elite strikeout pitcher, gets the start today
Top Prospects:
- Tyler Black (INF): Versatile infielder in the system
- Jacob Misiorowski (RHP): Pitching prospect with upside
- Jefferson Quero (C): Catching prospect developing
The Brewers won the Central and are always competitive. They’re the team we’re chasing in the division.
The Matchups That Matter Today
| Position | Cubs | Brewers |
|---|---|---|
| Shortstop | Jackson Merrill | Willy Adames |
| Center Field | Pete Crow-Armstrong | Jackson Chourio |
| Starting Pitcher | Tyler Glasnow | Freddy Peralta |
Jackson Merrill vs Willy Adames at Shortstop
Merrill is our new franchise shortstop trying to establish himself. Adames is a proven 30-homer threat who just won the division. Adames is the more proven player, but Merrill has upside.
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs Jackson Chourio in Center
Both are young, toolsy outfielders. Crow-Armstrong has elite defense and speed. Chourio has more power and offensive upside. This is a fun comparison of two rising talents.
Tyler Glasnow vs Freddy Peralta on the Mound
Both are elite strikeout pitchers. Glasnow has more velocity and experience. Peralta has consistency and just helped Milwaukee win the division. This should be a quality pitching matchup.
What the Cubs Need to See Today
Tyler Glasnow Continues His Dominant Spring
Glasnow’s been excellent all spring. Another strong performance against the division champs keeps the momentum going.
Jackson Merrill Shows He’s Ready for Division Competition
We’ll face the Brewers 19 times this season. Merrill needs to show he can compete with Adames and the Central’s best shortstops.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Keeps Showing Growth
Against Chourio and the Brewers’ lineup, PCA needs to keep showing the bat is catching up to his elite defense.
Young Guys Keep Impressing
Horton, Shaw, and Alcántara should all look good. Keep building momentum with more spring games ahead.
Show We Can Compete for the Division
Milwaukee won the Central. We finished third. If we can hang with them today, it shows we’re closing the gap.
What Milwaukee Will Bring
Jackson Chourio will show why he’s an emerging star—power, speed, athleticism. Willy Adames will work professional at-bats. Freddy Peralta will challenge our hitters with elite strikeout stuff.
The Brewers’ championship experience and division-winning pedigree will be on display. They’re the standard in the Central.
Cubs Fan Prediction: Close Game, Could Go Either Way
Final Score: Cubs 5, Brewers 4
Tyler Glasnow throws four scoreless innings with nine strikeouts, continuing his dominant spring. Freddy Peralta matches him with elite strikeout stuff.
Jackson Merrill goes 2-for-3 with a double and keeps his strong spring going. Pete Crow-Armstrong makes a highlight catch and legs out two infield singles. Matt Shaw drives in the go-ahead run late.
Jackson Chourio crushes a homer because he’s talented. But our depth and Glasnow’s dominance give us a one-run win at home.
We keep building momentum with more spring games ahead.
Why This Game Matters
Opening Day is approaching, but we’ve still got spring games left to fine-tune things. And today’s against the team that won the division last year.
Can Tyler Glasnow keep his dominant spring going? Will Jackson Merrill show he’s ready to compete with Willy Adames? Can our young core prove they’re ready for division competition?
The Brewers won the Central at 86–76. We finished third at 78–84. That eight-game gap is what we’re trying to close in 2026.
We’ve got more spring games to prepare, but today’s another step toward proving we’re ready to compete for the NL Central.
Go Cubs Go!!!